In need of a hug..

[geripatch]

Sorry Prof, if you're reading this, as I know you don't go in for lovey-dovey-huggy stuff, but I'm in real need of a hug from this group. I'm sitting here this morning in floods of tears, feeling like the crappiest artist on the planet and close to giving up with ebay art. I know this will pass - but no-one at home really understands and you guys DO!! The postal strike in the UK hit me hard as I couldn't list anything new, and the things I had already listed and sold haven't reached their destination yet. I'm dreading the feedback I'm going to get due to the postal fiasco especially since I had all 100% positive and all untarnished stars. I've recently had to increase my prices, as I've moved into oils and far more time consuming work, and also because I simply couldn't continue on just a couple of dollars a day! The watchers are gathering (probably to point and laugh) to watch the items I have listed but I don't expect anything much will happen. Anyway, just writing that down made me feel a bit better. Sorry to be a pain. Chris

[artrevu]

Hey Chris, Everyone understands a strike, especially postal. I am sure if you just contacted your buyers, they wouldnt be angry and leave negative feedback. They liked your art enough to bid and buy, so I am sure they wouldnt want ill will with the artist who created the things they loved to buy. Cheer up, strikes cant last forever. Use the time to create instead of being upset.Then when your list, let people know that delivery will occur after the strike.. No reason why you cant buy or sell while the strike is on, only let them no about the delivery delays. Have a good day! Ave -- Thankyou and have a great day! Ave www.avehurleyillustrations.hothere.com www.avehurley.etsy.com

[mazoommzee]

Chris - I'm sending lots of happy vibes which don't have to go by mail, thank goodness! I've kept my buyers well informed during the strike and so far they've been absolutely wonderful. I'm quite sure that if you let your buyers know that things may take longer than usual, they'll all be enormously understanding. Anyway, your work is gorgeous and well worth waiting for! Have a great painting day today. - Tessa

[artistjillian]

Have you thought of listing for 10 days? Just a thought. I feel for you. (((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))) Yup, selling on ebay sure ain't easy. -- ~Jillian artist, Jillian Crider N/A - ask me!

[clay856]

Here is more for you ((((((((hugs))))))))! We all need to vent sometimes and I'm sure most of us get discouraged from time to time, I know I do. Hopefully buyers will be understanding about the strike, it is out of your control. It seems like when I get most discouraged that is when I make a sale so here is wishing the same for you. -- Margie

[kazeseka]

{{{{{{{{{Hugs for Chris}}}}}}}}}}} And as Tessa says free delivery on positive energy which is being sent too! Carol

[jjohnsonlowe]

Chris, your art is WORTH the wait. Pity parties are fine, just don't get the art paper wet -- LOL. I am so sorry that you are going through a rough time right now -- I will pray for things to get better, soon. Look at it this way, your sensitive nature is what MAKES you a GREAT artist!!! (((((HUGS))))) jana --

[sunshinesketches]

Your untarnished stars are PROOF that any delays are due to events beyond your control. If I were you I'd keep listing as you complete work, and as several people already said, keep your customers apprised on the situation. Bad, bad post office, don't give them a Christmas gift this year! *hugs* /Karen

[alternique]

This too will pass........ -- ~ Debra ~

[poozybear*art]

Chris, I sure understand your concern about the strike. I just bought a set of the UK Harry Potter stamps from a very nice fellow over there. (I blame mazoommzee for this expense, since she HAD to mention the Potter stamps in another thread). ;) Anyway, the poor guy was so worried about his feedback that he emailed me every day with an update on the strike. I felt so badly for him, stuck in a position where he might get his stars all banged up over a postal strike. Well, when the item arrived, I left him five stars across the board to make up for any idiots who might ding him. BUT, I checked his feedback this morning, and his average has actually gone up. I think all the emails paid off for him. Of course, it does help to have understanding buyers, but he came out of it okay. Why don't you contact each of the buyers who have not yet received their art just to touch base, and explain one more time that the Royal Post was on strike. I think it might help. As for that "my art sucks" phase, oh yeah, I know THAT feeling. I often stop for weeks at a time because I hate my art so much. I've even gone through phases where I don't post my ACEOs on the group boards because I'm embarassed to post my art amongst the work of such talented artists. Then I have a good sale, or a buyer sends me a compliment, and it passes. Trust me Chris, you have nothing to feel insecure about. Your art is AWESOME, and I should know, because I own some of it. Your "Donkey With a Dream" is one of my favorites. :) Hang in there. Here's your hug . . . ]]]]]]]]]

[inanire]

Chris, For one, you're not a "pain", and you have nothing to be sorry about! You don't need to apologize for feeling miserable. If you're having a down time, just go right ahead and have it. I'm sure many of us fellow artists have had plenty. (I know I have!) The "bad" times are usually precursors to times of greater understanding/growth, & joy. I've often learned invaluable things about life/myself during the worst times ever. Of course, at the time it is happening I feel awful and just want the misery to end; But, upon reflection I end up with some great insights. (If I can remain aware enough and not get too caught up in my own sad story of "me" I end up seeing much more clearly than before.) Perhaps this trying time is preparation for a great change in your life; Perhaps it is a chance for you to see who you are more clearly; Or, perhaps it is something else that we can't understand. Whatever ends up happening, just do what speaks to your heart, remain as aware as you can, and just do your best! - As long as you do you best, nothing more can be asked of you. - Nothing. My heart goes out to you, as it does to all who suffer. Hang in there! - You've got countless friends here and we're all ready, at the drop of a hat, to send you our warmest thoughts/prayers, our highest energy vibrations, and our most sincere lovingkindness!!! This too shall pass. Big Hugs and Sunny Smiles, 🙂 🙂 :) -Jendria

[myoung-studios]

Yup, we artists are a sensitive bunch. Please don't feel bad about reaching out - that's what we're here for. That's one of the reasons I so quickly felt like this group was a family. I've gone through the almost giving up phase too, and it does pass. I think everyone here is right when they say that as long as you let your customers know what's going on, there shouldn't be any worries. You're an awesome artist and you've got support here, so here's some more {{{{hugs}}}}:-)

[poozybear*art]

I'll tell you one thing, if not for these groups, I would have quit a long time ago. Every time I go through one of those "down" phases, the people here always manage to pick me up off the floor and boost my confidence enough to get me painting again. Jendria, I SO agree that going through these periods often lead us to discover other things. When I start feeling down about my ACEOs, or just depressed in general, I'll often take out my frustrations on canvas . . . just making a mess and painting raw art that comes straight from the gut. Often, the end results surprise me, and in a good way (my husband actually prefers those paintings to my ACEOs). I'm about to try listing some of them to see how they do. Bottom line . . . yes, good things can come from bad times. Hang in there, and keep on painting. Your oils are just gorgeous. 🙂

[debcoart]

Chris...you've gotten some great advice in here. The only thing I can add is 'don't let the tears hit the oils because they don't mix well together'. (A feeble and lame attempt at some humor.) I give up on my art career at least once a week and sometimes more often.

[poozybear*art]

"I give up on my art career at least once a week and sometimes more often." LOL. Thank you Deb! Now I feel better. 🙂